Places to Buy Frugal VBS Supplies

We are very budget conscious and are always trying to be mindful of responsible spending when preparing for bible school… but we also want to give our kids the most memorable experience possible. Over the years, I’ve found lots of businesses to purchase frugal VBS supplies.

This post contains affiliate links, where I may earn a small percentage of any purchase you make.  My recommendations are not based on this at all!

Oriental Trading
Of course, we all know and love the ever-faithful Oriental Trading Company.  Oriental Trading has really stepped up their game in the VBS market.  They offer a TON of games, decorations and gadgets to go with all the popular VBS themes each year!  Their prices are far better than Group’s and the items are very similar.  Check here for free shipping and $10 off coupons to save even more!

US Toy
My mom actually just introduced me to US Toy earlier this year. If you’re familiar with Oriental Trading, US Toy is similar… they have lots of items that could be used for prizes/small giveaways. Their clearance section has SUPER cheap goodies. I found a lot of items that are cave-related for this year’s VBS! If you’re looking for super high quality, long lasting keepsake items neither Oriental Trading nor US Toy is going to be your spot. For craft supplies, bible verse prizes and cutesy items, it’s great. One of my favorite frugal finds this year was the Spelunker Helmet craft!  (Fun fact: US Toy also has items for sale on Amazon!)

Amazon
I am an Amazon junkie! Anytime I look at items elsewhere, I always price check to Amazon. I always get lots of the basic items here. This year (so far) from Amazon, I’ve purchased our lanyards, name tag holders, brown paper to decorate the walls, glow sticks and several head lamps. {Each of those will link to the exact item I purchased after comparing prices and reviews.}  I have an Amazon Prime membership so shipping is free on most items!

Menards
Since we’re renovating our house, I shop at Menards — a lot. I’ve found several items there at better prices than online or other big box items. This year, I’ve gotten several colors of duct tape {to use on each color group’s clipboard, etc} as well as paint and some of the spray foam that Group suggests using. They also have great, frugal VBS supplies for building sets or decorations.  This is my first stop for any construction-related items.

PicMonkey
PicMonkey is a photo editing/design website. I use this site to design all of our advertising/PR items. This includes facebook images, postcards, flyers, etc. PicMonkey is free and super easy to use! {There is the option to upgrade to a paid subscription for more design options, but all of the basic options are available under the free membership.}

Banners on the Cheap
Last year and this year both I’ve ordered our banners from Banners on the Cheap. They have great prices, but shipping can be high. If you join their email list, they send out deals for sale prices plus free shipping. When I quoted our banner this year, the shipping alone was as much as the banner itself. I waited for a free shipping email, then ended up spending $15 for a 2’x5’ indoor banner with clear tabs to hang it. Last year, I ordered a generic outdoor quality banner that has the dates and times. We are just going to use duct tape to cover up the numbers on the date and a sharpie to write the new dates. The banner I ordered last week will hang in the church foyer at our VBS advertising/sign up area and is specific to Cave Quest. The free shipping code I had is already expired, but if you join the email list they send them out fairly frequently.

This is the generic banner that hangs outside the church every year – we just change the dates.

Walmart
Okay, if you know me well you know I’m not a big fan of the retail giant.  HOWEVER, in the name of savings, I will shop there.  Probably my most frequent purchase from Walmart is their plastic disposable tablecloths!  There are so many projects and decorations you can make from a disposable tablecloth.

Sam’s Club
aka Walmart’s cool older brother… I typically purchase most of our snacks and paper products at Sam’s Club!  They have great prices on bulk snacks, both for the VBS kids and for the workers.  (Also, they have free online ordering so they’ll load your cart up and have it ready when you arrive at the store.  Trust me, you need to try it!)

There you have it… these retailers are where I most frequently find frugal VBS supplies. I’d love to hear where you’ve found good deals on fun (and practical) VBS items!

Make sure to check out my other VBS posts.  You can share this post below or follow Borrowed Blessings at the top of the page.